“27 Dresses” (2008), directed by Anne Fletcher, is a delightful romantic comedy that follows Jane (Katherine Heigl), a perpetual bridesmaid who has been in 27 weddings but has yet to find her own happily ever after. The film explores themes of unrequited love, the pressures of wedding culture, and the journey toward self-discovery. If you enjoyed the charming, feel-good vibes of “27 Dresses” and are looking for more rom-coms that center around love, weddings, and the often humorous path to self-discovery, here are five movies that will give you that same warm, fuzzy feeling. If you want more recommendation, you can also dive into 11 Movies Like 27 Dresses You Must Watch.
- The Wedding Planner (2001)
What it’s about: Directed by Adam Shankman, “The Wedding Planner” stars Jennifer Lopez as Mary Fiore, a successful wedding planner who is meticulous in her work but unlucky in love. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she falls for Steve Edison (Matthew McConaughey), the groom of one of her high-profile clients. As Mary navigates the conflict between her professional responsibilities and her growing feelings for Steve, she must confront her own desires and dreams, all while planning the perfect wedding for someone else.
Why it’s similar: “The Wedding Planner” shares with “27 Dresses” a central focus on weddings and the complex emotions that come with them. Both films feature strong, independent female protagonists who are experts at making other people’s wedding dreams come true while struggling with their own romantic lives. The humor and heart in both movies stem from the ironic situations where the heroines find themselves caught between duty and love. Additionally, the chemistry between Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey adds a layer of charm and romantic tension that fans of “27 Dresses” will undoubtedly appreciate. The exploration of self-discovery, as Mary learns to prioritize her happiness over her career, mirrors Jane’s journey in “27 Dresses.”
2. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
What it’s about: Directed by P.J. Hogan, “My Best Friend’s Wedding” stars Julia Roberts as Julianne Potter, a woman who realizes she’s in love with her best friend Michael (Dermot Mulroney) just days before his wedding to another woman, Kimberly (Cameron Diaz). Desperate to win him back, Julianne concocts a plan to sabotage the wedding, but things don’t go as smoothly as she hopes. The film is a comedic exploration of love, friendship, and the complications that arise when the line between the two becomes blurred.
Why it’s similar: Like “27 Dresses,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding” revolves around the wedding of a close friend and the complex emotions that come with it. Both films feature a protagonist who is deeply involved in the wedding planning process while dealing with unrequited love. The humorous yet heartfelt tone of both movies makes them perfect companions, as they both explore the messy realities of love and the importance of self-awareness. Julia Roberts’ portrayal of Julianne’s inner turmoil and the lengths she goes to in order to win back her best friend provide a similar blend of comedy and pathos that fans of “27 Dresses” will enjoy. The film also highlights the theme of self-discovery, as Julianne ultimately learns that love sometimes means letting go.
3. Made of Honor (2008)
What it’s about: Directed by Paul Weiland, “Made of Honor” stars Patrick Dempsey as Tom Bailey, a successful businessman and lifelong bachelor who realizes he’s in love with his best friend Hannah (Michelle Monaghan) just as she announces her engagement to another man. When Hannah asks Tom to be her “maid of honor,” he agrees, using the opportunity to try and win her heart before it’s too late. The film is a humorous take on gender roles in weddings and the challenges of transitioning from friendship to romance.
Why it’s similar: “Made of Honor” shares with “27 Dresses” a storyline centered around unrequited love and the complicated dynamics of close friendships during wedding planning. Both films feature protagonists who find themselves deeply involved in a friend’s wedding while secretly harboring romantic feelings. The gender role reversal in “Made of Honor,” with a male protagonist taking on the traditionally female role of “maid of honor,” adds a fresh twist to the familiar rom-com formula. Like Jane in “27 Dresses,” Tom must navigate his own emotions and figure out what he truly wants in life, leading to a journey of self-discovery that is both funny and poignant. The film’s mix of humor, romance, and the backdrop of wedding planning makes it a great follow-up for fans of “27 Dresses.”
4. Bride Wars (2009)
What it’s about: Directed by Gary Winick, “Bride Wars” stars Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway as lifelong best friends Liv and Emma, who both get engaged around the same time and inadvertently book their weddings on the same day at the same venue. What starts as a minor scheduling conflict quickly escalates into an all-out battle as the two friends become bitter rivals, each determined to have the perfect wedding at any cost. The film is a comedic exploration of friendship, competition, and the lengths people will go to for their dream wedding.
Why it’s similar: “Bride Wars” shares with “27 Dresses” the central theme of weddings and the comedic mishaps that can occur in the lead-up to the big day. Both films focus on the intense emotions and high stakes that weddings often bring, especially when friendships are involved. The competitive dynamic between Liv and Emma in “Bride Wars” contrasts with the more supportive friendships in “27 Dresses,” but both films ultimately highlight the importance of self-discovery and prioritizing what truly matters in life. The over-the-top wedding antics, combined with the heartwarming resolution, make “Bride Wars” an entertaining watch for those who enjoyed the wedding-centric humor and emotional depth of “27 Dresses.”
5. The Proposal (2009)
What it’s about: Directed by Anne Fletcher, “The Proposal” stars Sandra Bullock as Margaret Tate, a high-powered book editor facing deportation to Canada. In a desperate attempt to stay in the U.S., she convinces her assistant, Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds), to marry her in exchange for a promotion. The two embark on a weekend trip to Andrew’s family home in Alaska to sell the ruse to immigration officials, but as they spend time together, they start to develop real feelings for each other. The film is a romantic comedy that explores themes of power dynamics, cultural differences, and the unexpected nature of love.
Why it’s similar: “The Proposal” shares with “27 Dresses” a focus on unconventional romantic relationships that develop in unexpected ways. Both films feature strong female leads who are initially more focused on their careers than on finding love, only to discover that love comes when they least expect it. The humorous situations that arise from the fake marriage plot in “The Proposal” echo the comedic elements of “27 Dresses,” where wedding-related chaos leads to personal growth and romantic realizations. The film’s blend of sharp wit, romantic tension, and heartwarming moments make it a perfect companion piece for fans of “27 Dresses” who enjoy rom-coms with a mix of humor and heartfelt emotion. If you are a thriller movie fan, Unlocking Horror: 27 Movies Like Get Out is a perfect post for you to read!
